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Category: Embroidery

Sew a Nightie Without a Pattern and Design Embroidery with Paper

And So To Sew leaflet 11 a

This week in our “And so To Sew” series, leaflet 11a will teach you how to sew a nightie without using a pattern and how to sew pyjamas from a commercial pattern. We also build on your library of techniques with frills, casings, machine sewn felled seams and sewing a collar and facing in one step.

And So To Embroider 11b

In “And So To Embroider” leaflet 11b, we learn how to design and edit embroideries using cut paper. How to vary the look of the same design by using different stitches, appliqué with a couched edge and make a notebook holder.

As always, I have added modern video or photo tutorials to each page for my fellow visual learners.

We still have a long way to go with the “And So To” series of bulletins! Make sure to visit every Tuesday (Australian Eastern) for new sewing and embroidery content, every Thursday for the week’s “Favourite Thing” (it could be anything, this week it’s a whole tutorial!), and every Saturday for a new knitting pattern.

Sarah

Week 10 of And So To Sew and Embroider

This week’s installments of “And So To Sew” and “And So To Embroider” bring us to week 10. This week we’ll learn all about the techniques used to sew a woollen dress from a commercial pattern, how to sew a tailored collar and cuffs (pattern included), and how to use simple embroidery stitches to create motifs and borders.

Tailored collar and cuffs from "And SO To Sew" bulletin 10a

Check out “And So To Sew” leaflet 10a, sewing with wool.


An embroidered border from "And So To Embroider" bulletin 10b

Find out all about “And So To Embroider” bulletin 10b. Designing with Stitches.


As always, I have included modern video or photo tutorials for everyone who enjoys learning by example.

If you’d like to stay up to date with every new item I add to the website, subscribe to the email list over on the left (on desktop), or under this post on tablet or mobile. You’ll receive a quick email every time I add something new.

Sarah

And So To Sew and Embroider: Week 9

This week, our And So To Sew bulletins are all about learning techniques for both sewing and embroidery.

And So To Sew 9a - cover

“And So To Sew” leaflet 9a is all about techniques that are used in the sewing of vintage sportswear. Every technique from making the pleats of a classic sports skirt, to matching patterns, finishing seams and hems and reinforcing garments at stress points.

Cushion design from And So To Embroider bulletin 9b
Cushions from “And So To Embroider” 9b

“And So To Embroider” bulletin 9b teaches us all about embroidering on wool. It also includes three new stitches, how to use them to design motifs, and some project ideas to embroider them on.

As always, I have included a selection of video and photo tutorials for each technique as we all learn differently and not all of us have a teacher close by to help if we get stuck!

I hope you are enjoying this series of 1950’s leaflets from the Needlework Development Scheme. We have a way to go yet, with some of my all-time favourites coming up! If you’d like to stay notified when new things are posted, sign up to be notified by email (over on the left on desktop, or under the post on tablet or phone). You’ll receive a short email with information on the new post so you can choose whether it’s something you’d like to look at. At the moment, that will be three emails per week.

Sarah

New Series – My Favourite Things!

I thought I’d start a new series here on the Mostly Knitting (but really all sorts of crafts) Blog and feature some of my favourite things. These things might be YouTube channels, products, classes, blogs, books, whatever takes my fancy.

Today I’d like to feature one of my favourite YouTube channels, “Rose World” from India.

Thumbnail from Rose World's YouTube channel

Rose World has only been on YouTube for just over two years, but already has a following of over 260,000 subscribers. The videos are high quality, not language dependent, colourful and inventive.

From the channel description:

In This channel I’m sharing How to stitch, Hand embroidery, Basic Hand Embroidery, Nokshi Embroidery, Nakshi kantha, Neck design, drawing tutorial, etc Video.

I found out about Rose World when this video popped up in my recommended list:

I’m currently playing with the big loopy woven parts on an embroidery sampler.

Various woven embroidery stitches on a background of dyed woollen blanket.
A tiny corner of my current embroidery sampler – woven stitches.

I’m going to try them in different threads, including needlepoint wool and see how they look.

Rose World also has quite a few videos on making yarn flowers that can be sewn or stuck onto any project. This marigold is one of them.

Traditional nakshi kantha like these borders. I adore nakshi kantha borders 🙂

and modern designs like this flower

Rose World not only has all of these things, but also videos for beginner embroiderers, and instructions on drawing designs so you can customise them any way you like.

I hope you enjoy the Rose World YouTube channel as much as I do. Grab a cup of tea (or your chosen beverage), and check it out!

Sarah

And So to Sew and Embroider, Week 8!

We’re up to bulletins 8a and 8b in the Needlework Development Scheme’s “And So To’ series already!

And Sew to Sew bulletin 8a

In “And So To Sew” bulletin 8a, poor Jamie learns how to choose garments that best suit her figure, instead of becoming a slave to fashions that don’t let her look her best. The leaflet covers style advice for all body types, how to care for 1950’s clothing, and common mending tips. Even if you don’t sew, it worth downloading for the illustrations!

Two fabric samplers, showing ways to manipulate check fabrics to create different looks.

“And So To Embroider” 8b is one of my favourites. It contains a pattern and instructions for making the sun bonnet on the cover, plus lots of information on manipulating fabrics to change the way they look. The photo above shows just two of the mini samplers from the leaflet, with others showing spotted and striped fabrics.

These techniques are then shown in two projects, an apron and a cushion.

As always, I have included video and photo tutorials for all of the techniques mentioned for my fellow visual learners.

If you’d like to see all of the vintage leaflets and books that I have available for download, check out the “Vintage Sewing and Embroidery Books” section, and sign up to be notified whenever I post more. (On the left on laptop, or under this post on tablet and mobile).

Sarah